PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard could miss the start of next season after the Phillies slugger had surgery Wednesday to repair his torn Achilles tendon.
Howard ruptured the tendon while making the final out in Philadelphia’s 1-0 loss to the Cardinals in the deciding game of the NL division series last Friday night.
“It’s going to be five to six months from the surgery until he can play at his accustomed level,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., said.
Howard will be immobilized for one to two weeks, and could possibly put weight on his leg in one month.
“A lot depends on how he recovers,” Amaro said. “The start of the season could be impacted, but I still hope he makes his first at-bat.”
Epstein agrees to join Cubs
CHICAGO — Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein agreed to a contract with the Cubs, multiple media outlets reported.
Epstein, 37, leaves the Red Sox with a year remaining on his contract as general manager and takes over what is expected to be an expanded role with the Cubs, who have gone 103 years without a World Series championship. Compensation issues must be worked out before the deal is finalized.
With Epstein at the helm, the Red Sox ended an 86-year World Series championship drought in 2004 and won the title again in 2007.
Rockies acquire Brown.
The team claimed infielder-outfielder Andrew Brown off waivers from the Cardinals.
Brown, 27, spent most of the 2011 season with Memphis, batting .284 with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs in 107 games. He also played in 11 games with St. Louis, batting .182.
Denver Post wire services
